What Should I Know About Speech Therapy for Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy is a condition that affects many facets of the person's life. Besides having difficulty with movement and coordination, people with cerebral palsy will often have a hard time with communication. Speech therapy is available to aid in establishing a communication plan that best fits the patient.

Communication problems often arise between children with cerebral palsy and their peers/parents and it can often hamper the child-caregiver relationship. Speech therapy seeks to correct speech disorders and restore speech for the child. Teaching sign language and improving listening skills are also part of speech therapy.

Speech therapy is usually performed by a speech pathologist and involves home meetings as well as group sessions.
Speech therapists can also help cerebral palsy children build language skills and learn new words.

Strengthening the muscles of the mouth are another big part of speech therapy. The ability to say words, smile, close one's mouth or stick out one's tongue all are part of this therapy.

Sometimes a speech therapist will use aids to further the quality of therapy given. Computers, workbooks, picture cards and other learning devices all contribute to this.

Cerebral palsy and speech therapy are a necessary duo in facilitating communication between the child and the caregiver. If you believe your child may benefit from speech therapy, you should consider enlisting the aid of a speech therapist.